CASES Fellow Spotlight: Prof Susan Backhouse

As part of our Fellows Spotlight Series, this week, during UK Anti-Doping's Clean Sport Week, we introduce Professor Susan Backhouse FCASES.

Based in Leeds, Susan’s story is also a powerful example of how professional community matters. As a Fellow of CASES, she represents the leadership, scholarship and commitment to the profession that Fellowship is designed to recognise. 

Sue is currently the Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University.

“Throughout my career, I have been motivated by a desire to do work that genuinely makes a difference.”

What Fellowship means

Susan has been a BASES/CASES Fellow since 2015. Her reflections show that Fellowship is not simply a title, but recognition of a sustained contribution to the profession. Her work has centred on research that influences policy and practice, as well as mentoring and supervision that helps others to develop. Susan has also contributed directly to the Association through collaborative initiatives, including the CASES Integrity Advisory Group.

She describes the recognition with characteristic humility, “I am genuinely proud of this recognition, both for the work I’ve done and for being alongside so many people who have guided and inspired me along the way.”

Supporting the next generation

Susan believes CASES has an important role in making the profession more visible, credible and supportive for those coming through. In her view, it helps create routes into practice and offers training and CPD that connect research with application. That is closely aligned with CASES’ broader professional development offer, which includes workshops, webinars, accreditation pathways and supervised experience designed to help members progress from early ambition to recognised professional practice.

Sue says, “CASES plays an important role in supporting future sport and exercise scientists by making the profession more visible, credible, and supportive.”

Career highlights, challenges and leadership

Some of the most meaningful moments in her career are not measured by titles or milestones, but by the success of others. She says her proudest moments are seeing research students graduate and knowing the resilience, commitment and growth behind each achievement. It is a reminder that leadership in sport and exercise science is often expressed through the opportunities we create for others.

“My proudest career moments continue to be watching my research students cross the stage at graduation,” she says, “recognising what a privilege it is to have supported them on that journey.”

Like many senior professionals, Sue has had to navigate the challenge of balancing leadership, research, supervision and mentoring in a higher education environment shaped by uncertainty and competing demands. Sue reflects that purpose can be a source of energy, but it can also make boundaries harder to maintain. She credits family and friends with helping her keep perspective, and she has come to value a form of leadership grounded in presence, approachability and everyday connection.

“I’ve also come to appreciate that leadership isn’t just about formal decisions or scheduled meetings, but about being present and approachable.”

Expertise with impact

Susan’s expertise lies in the social and behavioural dimensions of sport, with a particular focus on integrity, clean sport and athlete welfare. She has used this expertise to deliver research that informs policy and practice at national and international levels, working closely with governing bodies, anti-doping organisations and practitioners. Alongside this, she has embedded her knowledge in doctoral supervision, mentoring and leadership roles, always with a focus on ensuring that research is relevant, ethical and grounded in the realities of sport. 

Advice for those starting out

For students and early career professionals, Susan’s advice is both practical and encouraging: get involved, say yes to opportunities and trust that early experiences can shape a meaningful future. She points to volunteering early in her career as a turning point that opened networks, built experience and helped define her direction. For aspiring sport and exercise scientists, that message resonates strongly with the opportunities that CASES membership can offer through networking, CPD, professional recognition and career development support.

“Say yes to opportunities and get involved early, even when you can’t yet see where they might lead.... I’d also emphasise the importance of kindness. The way we treat people matters.”

Beyond the role

Away from work, Susan recently enjoyed her first golfing holiday, inspired in no small part by her daughter’s enthusiasm for the game. It is a small but telling detail, even for accomplished leaders, curiosity, family and shared experiences remain an important part of the journey.

Closing summary

Professor Backhouse exemplifies what is possible when expertise, integrity and generosity come together in service of sport and exercise science. Her career shows that success is not only about individual achievement, but also about creating impact, supporting others and staying connected to the values that first drew you into the profession. For CASES members and aspiring practitioners alike, her story is a reminder that with purpose, professionalism and the support of a strong professional community, a fulfilling and influential career is well within reach.